Sivakumar summoned by PAC ‘to ensure fairness’, says chairman

 

The PAC, chaired by Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, is investigating the management and finances of the Human Resource Development Corporation. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has confirmed that it will summon human resources minister V Sivakumar next week over its inquiry into the management and finances of the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp).

PAC chairman Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the committee, which met on Monday, will hold two more proceedings, on Nov 1 and 2.

She said a representative from the finance ministry in HRD Corp is expected to testify on Nov 1, and Sivakumar on Nov 2.

“The reason for calling these two witnesses is due to their mention in the first proceedings and to ensure fairness,” she told a press conference at Parliament today.

“Therefore, I request that these witnesses be present to assist PAC in completing the investigation on this matter.”

Last week, Mas Ermieyati had said the committee will begin its proceedings on HRD Corp’s training programmes and management of funds on Monday.

She said although the issue was not reported in the 2022 Auditor-General’s Report, the PAC could invoke its powers under the Dewan Rakyat’s Standing Order 77(1)(d) to investigate the matter.

On another matter, Mas Ermieyati said the committee is finalising its report on the progress of the delivery of littoral combat ships to the navy for the period of June to September.

“We expect that the report will be presented in this (Parliament) meeting,” she said. - FMT